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Commissioners authorize sale of 5.29 acres to international pool maker, require two‑year performance
Summary
The Beaufort County Board authorized staff to finalize the sale of a 5.29‑acre lot in the Washington industrial park to an international swimming‑pool manufacturer, citing an expected 75 jobs and at least $2 million in initial investment and inserting a two‑year reversion clause if investment commitments are not met.
The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners on the floor authorized county staff to proceed with the sale of a 5.29‑acre parcel at 1035 Page Road in the Washington Beaufort County Industrial Park to an international swimming‑pool manufacturer.
Susan, presenting the project during a public hearing, said the company anticipates creating about 75 jobs and investing at least $2 million within two years, with additional investment expected as the project develops. She told the board the company identified the site through a commercial listing and proposed buying the property at $20,000 per acre with no incentives. "The agreement will include a reversion clause if they don't meet their investment within two years," Susan said.
No members of the public signed up to speak during the hearing; commissioners asked staff to clarify the reversion terms and nearby property ownership. A commissioner noted concerns over the per‑acre price versus an older appraisal but accepted staff's explanation of utilities and site readiness. County attorneys and the manager were authorized to finalize and execute closing documents after coordination with the City of Washington.
The board's authorization directs the county attorney, county manager and economic development director to draft and execute sale paperwork. Staff said the buyer must meet the two‑year capital investment commitment or any remaining improvements would revert to the county under the reversion clause.
Next steps: county staff will coordinate with the City of Washington on required municipal approvals and complete deed and closing documents, subject to the reversion requirement if performance benchmarks are not met.
